Thread: why earth is circular/geoid/oval? it should be square!

and why all moons, planets , stars are also circular in shape? is thre any explanation to this?

why would they be square?

they should be triangles, rectangles etc..... but my question is why they are all circular... there should be variety in the sky!

Why should there be though? This is one of those physics things, where the ideal shape is a sphere or very similar shape, as thats the way the molecules, particles, granules, boulders, etc pack together.

but why circular shape is ideal....... what is the advantage here?

A circle minimizes energy. This is why water drops or balloons are naturally spherical. You have to apply force to make them another shape. This is also why buildings can be built with large unsupported domes.

Originally Posted by Paleoichneum

why would they be square?

Time Cube

o.O wtf???

Originally Posted by precious

and why all moons, planets , stars are also circular in shape? is thre any explanation to this?

Gravity makes the world go round

... is this really a serious question?

Smaller objects, like astroids... or Hyperion, the force of gravity is not strong enough to overcome the strength of the rock keeping it's odd shape. Once you get above a certain mass, the strength of the object can't stop the force of gravity from pulling into a sphere. The general rule seems to be and object larger then 1,000km in size is going to pull it's self in a spherical object.

Interesting read: The Straight Dope: What would it be like walking around on a cube-shaped planet?

@precious,

Let's not call it circle. Sphere is the word here. Same with square (cube).

i am convinced that spherical shape is the ideal shape for matter in this universe

Generally true. But did you see this: First thought, "This must be hoax!"

just in case

I think its because gravity pulls matter towards the center.
this makes protuberances more likely to fall in a fashion thats a bit more even than previously and the larger the object the more what unevenness is left ends up making a rough sphere, plus many planets started out in molten liquid form which makes a pull to the center even more fluidly spherical (and gas giants have a lot fluid gas so the gas spreads ever more in a spherical-like shape).
its probably close to the answer

Originally Posted by icewendigo

its probably close to the answer

It's a very good answer. Better than mine